Draft and Proposed Rules - Public Swimming Pools and Spas

Posted July 15, 2021

Proposed Public Pools and Spas Rules Available for Stakeholder Comment

Tentative Pools and Spas Rules Timeline

July 15, 2022

  • Proposed Rules Published in the Texas Register
  • 30-day Formal Public Comment Period Begins 

August 15, 2022

  • 30-day Formal Public Comment Period Ends   

 October 25, 2022

  • Adopted Rules Published in Texas Register

November 14, 2022

  • Earliest Rules Effective Date

Pools and Spas Proposed Rules for Review

Texas Register – July 15, 2022 Issue

Formal Comment Submission for the Proposed Public Swimming Pools and Spas Rules

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is accepting formal comments from stakeholders on the proposed Public Swimming Pools and Spas rules through August 15, 2022. The rules were amended to reflect the consideration of comments submitted in response to the December 21, 2021 pools and spas draft rules. DSHS will consider each comment received during the formal comment period and will provide a summary of the comments and DSHS responses in the adoption preamble published in the Texas Register. DSHS is unable to provide an individual response to each commenter.

To facilitate DSHS review, use the following template to submit comments.

Template – Formal Comment Submission Table

Comments may be emailed to: EHGRulesCoordinator@dshs.texas.gov.

Please include the following items for each comment submitted.

  • The specific citation and page number for the referenced proposed rule section.
  • Recommended alternative language.
  • A description of how your recommendation will affect public health and the regulated community.

House Bill 2205, effective September 1, 2021, requires DSHS to adopt by reference the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), except for Chapter 1, related to permitting and inspection; Chapter 7, Onground Storable Residential Swimming Pools; Chapter 8, Permanent Inground Residential Swimming Pools, Permanent Residential Spas and Permanent Residential Exercise Spas; and Chapter 10, Portable Residential Spas and Portable Residential Exercise Spas. DSHS may not adopt rules that conflict with or fail to carry out these requirements. Click on the link to access the current ISPSC.

Mailing address:
Attn: Environmental Operations Rules Coordinator
Public Swimming Pools & Spas Program, MC 2835
Environmental Operations Branch
Texas Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347

Email address:
EHGRulesCoordinator@dshs.texas.gov
Please write “Formal Comments for Pools and Spas” in the subject line.